Second-Hand Sense: As the figures for January sales of new cars in Motors last week prove, the home for expensive luxury four wheel drive vehicles is in Dublin.
Quite why is a bit of a mystery, because 4WD ability is not quite vital for negotiating the car parks of shopping centres and that is where most of those luxury 4X4s spend much of their time. If the truth be told these cars are status symbols, four-wheeled statements of affluence that give their drivers a distinct sense of exclusivity.
One of the first of this luxury breed was the Mercedes M-Class, launched in 1997 to appeal to those who like their cars with a bit more attitude. In those days the M-Class was a fairly unusual species, but now operates in a more crowded segment with competition from the likes of the BMW X 5 and the Volvo XC 90. Lots of people seem prepared to pay lots of money for cars with huge fuel consumption and huge turning circles and manufacturers are only too happy to oblige.
The first M-Class cars had some teething problems. They were built at a new plant in the US and suffered early electrical and other niggling faults but these have all been ironed out. The first engine was a 3.2 litre petrol and it was much later before the more popular and economical 2.7 litre diesel engine arrived.
The M-Class drives well but drivers should be aware that cars with a high-centre of gravity are not the most stable and high sides don't help - and thus a degree of caution is advisable.
It is a big enough car, but compared to more modern SUVs and MPVs, by no means huge inside. Space for driver and passengers and the boot area is adequate, but use of space is not as clever as it might be. Most of the cars on the second-hand market have leather upholstery. Instrumentation and controls are strong and practical in the way they usually are with Mercedes cars. The driving position is possibly one of the best in the class, and the M-Class is good for a long journey.
The diesel is the more practical option: the 320 petrol is thirsty and expensive to run and while the 2.7 diesel has a lower capacity it has good pulling power. Again, economy is not its best feature.
The car scored well in its EuroNCAP crash tests with a four-star rating out of a possible five. It was found to have a strong vehicle structure that provided for good occupant protection. Side protection was "particularly good with a standard head airbag" but, as is usual with these vehicles "pedestrian protection was dire".
Quality control has certainly improved from the early days and there have been few recalls. Some 25,000 were recalled in 2003 when it was found that an over-sized hose clamp could allow loss of power steering fluid over a prolonged period. Some others were recalled because of a driver's seat belt problem. Not all cars suffer from these complaints, however.
Second-hand prices are high, reflecting the popularity of the car. A year 2000 model with a 2.7 diesel engine and 62,000 on the clock, but with a lavish array of standard equipment, is on offer at €36,950. A similar 2003 version with 19,000 on the clock has an asking price at another garage of €50,950. A 2001 model with the 3.2 petrol engine will set you back about €40,000. - DONAL BYRNE